The family of Thomas Cooper, the 5-year-old kid died in a hyperbaric chamber explosion at a Troy medical center, is retaining a Southfield law firm.
A representative from Fieger Law stated on Saturday that the business is representing the family, which includes Cooper’s mother, who sustained injuries to her arms in the explosion that occurred on Friday.
The following written statement was given by James Harrington, who is the managing partner of Fieger Law:
“This is an unimaginable tragedy, and our hearts are with the family as they navigate this immeasurable loss. We ask that the public and media respect the family’s privacy at this time. We are investigating every aspect of this matter and will report our findings in due time. The safety of children should always be the top priority, and this incident raises serious concerns about hyperbaric chambers and the oversight and regulation of hyperbaric treatments.”
According to a GoFundMe page set up for Cooper’s family, Thomas enjoyed listening to audiobooks, running, and swimming.
He was also planned to attempt mountain bike racing and karate this summer.
At approximately 8 a.m., police and firefighters arrived at the Oxford Medical Center in response to the incident. The youngster was found dead inside the chamber by the authorities who responded.
The investigators are trying to determine what caused the explosion.
The medical facility is closed till further notice.
Hyperbaric chambers can be used for a variety of treatments, including those that save lives, limbs, and tissue.
“A hyperbaric chamber contains 100% oxygen which is up to five times the amount than a normal room,” Lieutenant Keith Young with Troy fire said.
Concerns have been expressed by officials regarding the risks posed by hyperbaric chambers, particularly in settings where oxygen is substantially concentrated under pressure. Experts claim that these elements working together can produce a highly combustible atmosphere, which could make the chambers dangerous if not properly maintained or used. This is especially troubling in the wake of recent events, like the tragic explosion in Michigan that killed a young boy and caused widespread worry among safety advocates and parents.
Many anxious parents have contacted experts and safety groups in the wake of the explosion to ask questions about the dangers of hyperbaric chambers.
In response to these worries, Shannon Kenitz, a spokesperson for the International Hyperbaric Association, clarified that the FDA in the United States mandates a rigorous certification procedure for hyperbaric chambers.
This certification, also referred to as the 510K procedure, guarantees that the devices are constructed and designed with the least amount of danger in mind and that they meet certain safety requirements.
Although Kenitz stressed that the chambers undergo extensive testing and inspection prior to being authorized for use, she also recognized that risks can still arise from overuse, human mistake, or faulty equipment, especially in a pressurized setting.
When it comes to looking into occurrences involving hyperbaric chambers and making sure the apparatus conforms with regional safety standards and laws, fire marshals in Michigan are essential.
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The purpose of these investigations is to make sure that chambers are constructed in compliance with the necessary safety regulations and are kept in good condition to avoid mishaps.
In order to safeguard users and the general public, fire marshals are also responsible for examining the buildings housing these chambers to make sure they adhere to safety and fire regulations.
Experts and officials concur that increased awareness of the possible risks connected to hyperbaric chambers is required, even though the certification procedure and regulatory control offer a crucial layer of protection.
Continuous inspections are necessary to guarantee adherence to safety rules, and both users and operators of these chambers need to be well trained in the proper safety protocols.
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